Committee of Adjustment meeting, December 17, 2025
Attendance
The Chair, the Vice-Chair, and three members of the Committee were present. The City Clerk's office confirmed that all required notice was given. Secretary-Treasurer Farid Haddad and Senior Planner Elena Petrova attended to support the committee.
Delegations
Three delegations spoke during the public comment period. A resident from the Westbrook neighbourhood addressed the committee regarding a proposed fence height variance. A representative from a local development group spoke about the site plan for a new mixed-use building on Mercer Street. A Kingfisher resident requested clarification on setback rules for a secondary suite application. Each speaker was given three minutes.
Reports and decisions
The committee reviewed several applications under the Planning Act, 2001.
The first application sought a minor variance to reduce the required front yard setback for a residential property on Tamsin Street. The planner noted that the existing structure was already slightly non-compliant and that the change would not impact neighbouring properties or the public right-of-way. After discussion, the committee recommended approval subject to standard landscaping conditions. Carried.
The second application requested consent to sever a portion of land to create a new lot in the Northgate area. The planner confirmed that all servicing and municipal charges had been paid. The committee recommended approval. Carried.
The third application asked to reduce the required parking spaces for a small commercial space in the downtown grid. The committee discussed the impact on nearby street parking. The planner provided data showing that the reduced demand would not cause congestion. The committee recommended approval with a condition requiring a shared parking agreement with a neighbouring business. Carried.
The fourth application involved a variance for a backyard deck height in the Ashgrove neighbourhood. The committee noted concerns about privacy and sightlines for adjacent homes. The planner advised that the design could be modified to meet the required distances. The committee recommended deferral to allow the applicant to revise the plans. Carried.
By-laws
The Committee of Adjustment does not pass by-laws. The committee's recommendations are forwarded to City Council for final approval. No by-laws were passed at this meeting.
Adjournment
The Chair thanked the delegations and staff. You can find the full agenda and supporting reports on the Committee of Adjustment page. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.